USS ESSEX, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Essex (LHD 2) completed the on-load of 1,400 Marines and Sailors from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Oct. 31.
The 31st MEU embarked Essex to take part in the strike group's annual fall patrol in East and Southeast Asia with the Essex Expeditionary Strike Group (ESX ESG).
The 31st MEU consists of ground, command, air and combat support elements that allow ESX ESG to conduct amphibious operations from the sea and project power ashore.
Nearly 600 Marines embarked Essex in Okinawa, Japan Oct. 24. The additional 800 Marines, who participated in Exercise Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise from the 31st MEU completed their on-load in Subic Bay, Philippines.
For many members of the MEU, it is their first time aboard Essex, or any ship for that matter.
"This is my first on-load," said Combat Cargo Officer, Marine Chief Warrant Officer Jimmy Simmons. "The on-load went very smoothly considering we have a brand new crew. It didn't go as fast as they have in the past but it was extremely smooth and safe. Everything was brought onboard in a timely manner."
Essex combat cargo moved over 1,400 personnel, 60 pieces of rolling stock and 300 pieces of MEU cargo. They also helped moved elements of the battalion landing team, the ground combat element, air combat element and combat logistics battalion.
This was also the first on-load for Combat Cargo Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan Kelley.
"This was my first on-load, it was pretty exciting and it went really well," he said. "It was a hard day of work. We loaded over 400 pallets starting early at 7:00 a.m. and finished at 11:00 p.m."
During the fall patrol, Essex will conduct numerous training events that will focus on a variety of sea and land-based capabilities.
Along with the training schedule, Sailors onboard Essex will be able to experience the vast array of foreign port visits as well as interact with the local community by volunteering for community service projects.
Essex's presence in the Western Pacific demonstrates the U.S. commitment to fulfilling treaty obligations and security arrangements in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility and helps to foster peace and stability in the region.
Essex and its strike group will remain postured to render aid in the region if needed, in support of Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet's goal of delivering responsive, short-term readiness.